Piha Junior Surf Program
The intention of the Piha Nippers (Junior Surf program) is to develop a healthy respect for the beach with an emphasis on “great fun”, “wild and crazy times”, “fabulous excitement”, “marvellous events”, and a great opportunity to learn.
Nippers are divided into age groups (ages calculated as at midnight 30 September, 2011).
***Children under the age of 14 years must have one adult (parent or guardian) enrolled as a member of Piha Surf Lifesaving Club. Children must not be left unattended at the beach.***
5-7 year olds (Tadpoles)
Children learn the basics of surf events such as beach flags, beach sprints, relays, run-wade-run, and boogie board race. They are encouraged to participate in water games and become more confident in the water, whilst learning about water safety. All 7 years compete at club and interclub competitions.
A Group (8 & 9 year olds)
In A Group children compete at club and interclub competitions and will receive training in Beach Flags, Beach Sprints, Beach Relays, Run-Wade-Run and Boogie Board races. 8 year old children are encouraged to train towards achieving their 200m badges. 9 year old children need to achieve their 200m badge to compete in interclub competitions, once they achieve their 200m badges children will be introduced to surf swimming, board racing and board rescue events.
B Group (10 & 11 year olds)
B Group training builds on the events taught at A Group level and introduces other events such as tube rescues etc. B Groups focus is on water sports at this stage and it is important that they have achieved their 200m badges.
C Group (12 & 13 year olds)
At C Group level, training becomes more intensive with a focus primarily towards developing life saving skills but also providing an environment for becoming actively involved in Surf Sports.
Swimming Abilities and Expectations
There is no requirement for Junior Surf members to be strong swimmers. However in view of the environment in which our activities are carried out, every effort should be made to ensure that they do have some swimming proficiency. It is expected that as children progress through the age groups their swimming ability increases.
For your children’s safety and to ensure that they receive maximum enjoyment and benefits from the programme, we encourage parents or caregivers to consider, where necessary, enrolment for swimming lessons with a local qualified instructor.
200 Metre Badge
To gain the 200 metre badge, which is required to compete in water events at surf carnivals, an individual must swim 200 metres freestyle and tread water with a hand in the air for one minute in under 8 minutes in the pool or in 10 mins in the sea (dependent upon surf conditions). The Junior Surf Coaches will hold 200 metre badge trials within the first few weeks of the season and again further into the season.
Training Schedule
| Day | Time | Where | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 10:15am -11:45pm | Piha SLSC (Starts Nov 6th) | Tadpoles |
| Sunday | 10:00am -12:00pm | Piha SLSC (Starts Nov 6th) | A, B & C Groups |
| Tuesday | 7:00pm – 8:00pm | Kelston Girls for Squad swimming (Starts Oct 25th) | All Groups |
| Thursday | 6:15pm – 7:30pm | Takapuna BEACH – ramp near changing rooms (Starts Nov 10th) | A, B, C Groups 200M BadgeHolders Only 100M Ocean Swim Test |
Supporters:
Our club athletes will be fundraising to assist in covering the costs of attending carnivals.
One of the tools they will have is offering businesses the chance to have a logo and link from our club website…appearing here!
If approached please give this your consideration as you will be supporting the development of a fine group of young athletes.
If you have not been approached but wish to learn more, please contact the Junior Coordinator on 021 577 190 or nippers@pihaslsc.com
